Metal Odyssey > Heavy Metal Music Blog

Metal Church press release:

Watch the new video at: https://youtu.be/X23RO0LjUk8
Stream or download at: https://lnk.to/MetalChurch

West Coast heavy metal veterans Metal Church return with a revitalized lineup and a hard-hitting new single that underscores the sound that has driven their four-decade legacy. The new formation features founding member and guitarist Kurdt Vanderhoof, alongside longtime guitarist Rick Van Zandt, joined by bass icon David Ellefson, powerhouse drummer Ken Mary, and dynamic new vocalist Brian Allen.

Following the band’s recent tour and return from Australia, Metal Church found themselves at a crossroads. An unexpected spark reignited Kurdt’s creative drive, prompting him to reach out to the musicians who would ultimately shape the group’s next chapter. Their chemistry in the studio gave rise to the blistering new track “F.A.F.O.” – a song that immediately energized the band and inspired them to continue writing and recording. The new single was produced by Kurdt Vanderhoof and mixed/mastered by Zeuss at Planet Z.

Those sessions have now evolved into a brand-new Metal Church album, set for release in 2026 via Rat Pak Records. Additional details will be announced soon.

“After 45 years, the fact that we have new music coming in 2025 feels like a miracle. There was a time when I honestly didn’t think Metal Church would continue, but we’re back and this lineup is firing on all cylinders. I can’t tell you how excited I am to have a new single on the way; that alone makes this moment incredibly special. ‘F.A.F.O.’ is an aggressive thrasher, and I think the fans are really going to dig it, we certainly do. Otherwise, it wouldn’t be Metal Church,” explains Kurdt Vanderhoof.

Metal Church plan to tour extensively in 2026 and some festival dates have already been announced with more to come. All information on touring plans and links to tickets can be found at: https://www.metalchurchofficial.com

Wed, Aug 5, 2026 – Josefov, Czech – Brutal Assault Festival
Sat, Aug 8, 2026 – Kortrijik, Belgium – Alcatraz Festival
Sun, Aug 9, 2026 – Geiselwind, Germany – Keep It True Festival

With renewed energy, a legacy spanning over four decades, and a rapidly expanding worldwide fan base, Metal Church remains a driving force in modern heavy metal. Still pushing forward, still evolving and still unmistakably Metal Church.

This entry was posted on November 21, 2025 at 9:58 pm and is filed under Heavy Metal, Metal, metal bands, metal music, Music, music news, news with tags Metal, metal albums 2026, Metal Church, metal music, Metal News, metal odyssey. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.